Prince Urges More Alternative Medicine on NHS

February 29, 2004

By PA News Reporter

The Prince of Wales today called for far more alternative medicine to be

available on the Health Service.

The Prince, long a supporter of homeopathic and similar remedies, believes they

may hold the key to stemming the growing number of people afflicted by

allergies.

Writing in today’s Guardian he says: “Clearly, something dramatic is happening.

The rising trends in allergy seen in developing countries, as they adopt our

western habits, point strongly to factors in the way we live.”

The paper says Charles wrote the article in response to its story earlier this

month warning that half of Europe would suffer from some type of allergy by

2015.

He says: “It seems extraordinary to me that despite a recent poll indicating

that 75% of people want complementary medicine available to all on the NHS, that

very few such clinics exist.

“I am led to believe that 90% of complementary medicine is currently only

available to those who can afford to pay for it.”

Charles cites big increases in conditions such as asthma and peanut allergies as

an increasing cause for concern.

“In the UK 34% of 13 to 14-year-olds now have active asthma, the highest

prevalence in the world,” he writes, adding that he believes modern lifestyles

are the most likely explanation.

“Factors associated with Western society, such as overeating, lack of exercise

and an obsession with hygiene, as well as our exposure to a myriad of chemicals

from products whose effects we are only just learning about, are conspiring to

weaken our defence against the environment.

“Our children are paying the price.”

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